Car thief suspect leads local law enforcement on Interstate 5 chase

Ten minutes later, the deputy spotted the vehicle at Highway 41 and Bernard Drive in Kettleman City. The deputy attempted to pull the car over, but the driver, later identified as suspect Akiah Magee, of Huntington Beach, sped away, which resulted in a pursuit.

The two vehicles sped through the Kettleman City business district and then south on Interstate 5 at speeds of approximately 90 miles-per-hour. At one point, the deputy terminated the pursuit due to the high volume of traffic. When traffic cleared somewhat, the deputy returned to the pursuit. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) deployed an intervention device at one point, but it failed. The chase continued south on Interstate 5 as the CHP took over.

Magee turned off of Interstate 5 and entered the EZ Trip Travel Center. The suspect drove around the parking lot, possibly looking to steal another vehicle. However, the suspect returned to Interstate 5 and headed north. Magee avoided a second intervention device deployed this time by a Kings County Deputy.

Magee continued on Interstate 5 until he turned off into the Coalinga/Avenal rest stop area. The suspect drove through the parking lot stopping and yelling at people standing near their cars. Law enforcement suggested that he may have been attempting to steal another vehicle.

It was at this time that a Kings County Sheriff’s deputy utilized his patrol vehicle and blocked in the stolen vehicle from leaving. The incident caused minor damage to both vehicles. Deputies took the suspect into custody without further incident.

Deputies transported and booked Magee into the Kings County Jail on two counts of felony pursuit and felony possession of stolen property. His bail was set at $25,000.